Adam Fogelson to join Robert Simonds studio

In another coup, the new film and television studio led by Robert Simonds has named the former Universal Pictures chairman as its new chariman of the motion picture group.

Fogelson will oversee all aspects of the motion picture group for the venture, including production, marketing, distribution and home entertainment strategy.

The studio is ramping up to finance and self-release up to 10 major features a year primarily in the $20-$60m budget range.

“This is a monumental moment for our new company,” said Simonds, who called Fogelson “one of the most exceptional executives I have ever met.”

Earlier this month, the studio recruited former Disney production and marketing chief Oren Aviv as its president and chief content officer of the motion picture group.

“With the shifts, opportunities and challenges that are taking place in the entertainment industry, we get the rare chance to reimagine how a contemporary studio should operate, taking full advantage of the lessons learned from the trenches,” said Fogelson. “I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Bob, who is a true innovator and a brilliant entrepreneur, and Oren, whose breadth and depth of success make him a very valuable asset to the company.

After launching four months ago, the studio has already scored its first major television production commitment with NBC’s recent primetime pick-up of the drama series State Of Affairs starring Katherine Heigl. The show will debut this November.

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